Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’d like to feature our Chef Kaimana and share one of his favorite recipes.

Chef Kaimana

A native of Hawai’i, Chef Kaimana identifies his multi-ethnic upbringing as a key contributing factor in developing his passion for food. His diverse cultural heritage (Hawaiian, Samoan, Chinese and Filipino) was a catalyst for exploring ingredients and cooking techniques within his family. Starting his professional culinary journey on a food truck nearly 2 decades ago, Chef Kaimana has since earned a collection of  culinary accolades that include numerous television appearances and culinary competitions. Beyond the kitchen, Chef Kaimana is a Kumu Hula and Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner and is the founder of a non-profit Hawaiian Cultural School in Silver Spring, MD.  The organization, Halau Nohona Hawai’i has performed across the DMV, Hawai’i, Florida, Japan, Singapore and beyond. For more information visit www.halaunohonahawaii.org

Recipe

This recipe comes from Kaimana’s Samoan Heritage and was a staple in his home growing up in Hawai’i.

Kokoalaisa is a coconut and chocolate rice pudding. This recipe came from his grandmother who would make this for him as a young child.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked white rice, cooled to room temperature (left over white rice that has been refrigerated works too)

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1/2 cup sugar (add more to taste if you’d like it sweeter)

• 3/4 cup cocoa powder (traditionally a dark or bitter-sweet)

Directions:

1. In a medium pot bring coconut milk to simmer on med high heat
2. Add sugar stirring till it dissolves
3. Whisk in cocoa powder until dissolved.
4. Fold in rice and mix thoroughly
5. Serve in ramekins with toppings of choice (coconut flakes, macadamia nuts, etc..)

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!